Since then, a lot has changed, most notably its occupancy. But a new plan promises to turn the now nearly empty mall into much more.

From the outside, the mall rises from a sea of empty asphalt. But go inside Crossroads Mall and shoppers will find a carousel minus any kids surrounded by dark hallways that once held stores. Most see a mall that's just 30 percent full, but for Robert Ruiz it's a chance to serve a community.

"I’m one of the guys that looks at that kind of situation and sees opportunity instead," said Robert Ruiz. "It’s going to be really a place that people can come statewide to see what Hispanic culture is all about."

In 2012, when Raptor Properties bought the mall, studies showed an underserved Hispanic population with $2.5 billion of buying power statewide.

The developer's idea is to bring in stores serving the Latin community. Ruiz says major stores aren’t going anywhere, but will be supplemented by new stores, a community center and clinic, all with Spanish-speaking staff.

"This is going to be a very nice destination for not only Oklahoma City, but for the state," said Elaine Lyons with South OKC Chamber of Commerce.

Lyons hopes the new Crossroads takes after Fort Worth’s La Gran Plaza. Just three years old, the former empty mall is now 90 percent full. Ruiz and Raptor Properties are trying to do that in half the time for a place everyone can enjoy.

"Obviously we want everybody from the Oklahoma community to be able to experience this cultural center," smiled Ruiz. "It's definitely for everybody and everybody is invited."

On April 24, Raptor will release the new name of the mall and reveal the merchant who recently agreed to lease the space previously occupied by Dillards.

While you're here, peruse these breaking news photos from our U Local website. When YOU see breaking news happen, email your photos to ulocal@koco.com -- or post them (and your videos) to http://ulocal.koco.com.